launch_file · ROS 2 MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What launch_file does on ROS 2 MCP Server

AI agents invoke launch_file to trigger actions in ROS 2 MCP Server. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why launch_file needs a policy

A launch_file tool in ROS 2 executes startup configurations that initialize multiple system components and trigger external operations (node startup, service initialization). This constitutes code execution whose effects depend on which launch file is invoked. While not irreversible (unlike Destructive), it can substantially alter system state and resource allocation.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'launch_file' combined with ROS 2 context indicates triggering of launch file execution, which starts nodes, services, and parameters in a ROS 2 system. Description is empty, reducing confidence slightly.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

launch_file Rate-limited

launch_file stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "launch_file": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "launch_file_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches ROS 2 MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about launch_file

What does the launch_file tool do? +

launch_file. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the ROS 2 MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on launch_file? +

Register the ROS 2 MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for launch_file: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches ROS 2 MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is launch_file? +

launch_file is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit launch_file? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the launch_file rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block launch_file completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for launch_file. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides launch_file? +

launch_file is provided by the ROS 2 MCP Server MCP server (ranch-hand-robotics/rde-mcp-ros-2). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.